Failure to Screen and Document Pneumococcal Vaccination for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents were properly screened for eligibility to receive the recommended pneumococcal vaccinations. Upon review of the medical records for both residents, there was no documentation indicating that their pneumococcal vaccination history had been obtained or that their eligibility for the vaccine had been determined. Additionally, there was no evidence that education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine was provided to the residents or their legally responsible parties, nor was there any record of consent or declination forms being obtained. Interviews with facility staff, including the DON and a nurse, confirmed that there was no documentation available to determine the residents' pneumococcal vaccination status, eligibility, or that the vaccine had been addressed with the residents or their representatives. The DON also stated that the facility does not obtain immunization documentation from the Massachusetts immunization information system and does not have access to the site. As a result, the facility did not follow its own policy or CDC recommendations regarding pneumococcal vaccination assessment, education, and documentation for these residents.